Why did a lifelong GM loyalist with a 2019 Silverado at just 93,000 miles consider jumping ship to Ford or Dodge? The answer will make you rethink modern truck reliability.
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If you’ve ever spent time in an online owner’s group for vehicles, you know it’s a mixed bag of camaraderie, complaints, and advice. Yesterday, while browsing the 2019-2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook group, I stumbled upon a post that got people talking—and not in the way you’d expect for a vehicle proudly marketed as "reliable and tough." Mark Hensley shared a story about his 2019 Chevy Silverado RST, and let’s just say, it wasn’t a glowing testimonial.
Mark posted:
"Well, I got a call yesterday I didn’t expect. My 2019 Chevy Silverado RST with only 93,000 miles needs a new transmission. I guess they don’t make these trucks like they used to. Wonder if Dodge or Ford is having the same issue; if not, I might make the switch. Had GM all my life."
Mark’s words strike a nerve with any longtime GM loyalist. A failed transmission at under 100,000 miles isn’t exactly the rugged dependability Silverado drivers expect. But here’s the kicker—Mark isn’t alone in his frustration, and his post lit up the comments section like a wildfire.
What’s Really Going On With Modern Trucks?
Marcus Klem chimed in with an insightful—and somewhat sobering—response. He wrote, “They are all having the same types of issues because they all have to have similar overly complicated systems to meet government mandates on fuel mileage and emissions.”
These overly complex systems often lead to frustrations, like one Silverado owner’s battle with a bizarre 'Buckle to Shift' feature that left him questioning modern truck design.
This highlights a larger trend in the industry: automakers are under pressure to engineer cleaner, more efficient trucks, which has led to increasingly complex systems. Advanced transmissions with more gears, cylinder deactivation, and turbocharged engines may improve fuel economy on paper, but they also introduce more points of failure.
Dustin Deyagher offered a broader perspective: “Yes, every other make and model has different issues. To find out for yourself, join each make/model group to find out. Then again, most people join these groups looking for guidance on problems they're having. This is fairly normal for new vehicles, even a decade ago. This is why I always bought used in the past.”
His comment raises an important point—owner forums are like hospitals; you rarely see posts from people who are perfectly healthy (or in this case, perfectly happy with their trucks).
A Walk Down Memory Lane
When Mark lamented, “They don’t make these trucks like they used to,” it got me thinking: what era are we all so nostalgic for? As someone who’s been following the auto industry for decades, I remember hearing complaints about unreliable transmissions as far back as I can recall. Sure, trucks from the 1970s or ‘80s might have been simpler, but they also didn’t offer the performance, safety, or fuel economy we’ve come to expect today.
Still, there are success stories, even among modern Silverados. David Nguyen commented, “My dad has a 2019 Silverado with 20,000 miles and a 6.2L engine. Not a lick of issues. My 2019 truck with a 5.3 had a transmission go at 138,000 miles and lifters go out at 180k. I now have a 2023 with the 3.0, and my transmission went out 2 days ago with 38k on it.”
While David’s experience is mixed, it shows that mileage, engine type, and usage habits all play a role in a truck’s reliability. For every story of a failed transmission, there’s another of a Silverado chugging along for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Lessons Learned
So, what’s the takeaway from all of this? For one, truck reliability is a complex issue that depends on many factors, from engineering decisions to how a vehicle is driven and maintained. While it’s tempting to point fingers at manufacturers or wax nostalgic about the “good old days,” the truth is that every generation of vehicles has its strengths and flaws.
At the same time, it’s clear that as trucks become more sophisticated, maintenance becomes more critical. Regular fluid changes, using the correct oils, and staying on top of service intervals can make the difference between a catastrophic failure and a long-lasting vehicle.
What Do You Think?
Have you had a similar experience with your Chevy Silverado or another truck? Are you a GM loyalist who feels let down by modern reliability, or have you found success with a different approach to ownership?
Let us know in the comments—whether you’ve got a horror story, a success story, or some advice for others, your perspective matters.
The Moral of the Story
Vehicles, like people, aren’t perfect. They all come with their quirks, weaknesses, and strengths. But much like life, how you handle those imperfections—whether by finding solutions, sharing experiences, or simply adjusting expectations—can make all the difference. The key is to approach problems with patience, an open mind, and a willingness to learn. Isn’t that a lesson we could all use?
While some owners face hurdles, Chevrolet is making strides to enhance reliability and capability, as seen in the upcoming 2025 Silverado, which focuses on blending affordability with impressive performance. Discover what’s new and exciting about the 2025 Silverado model here.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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